Define: Co Defendant

A co-defendant refers to an individual who is charged alongside another person in a criminal case. They are both accused of committing the same offense.

Yes, it is possible for co-defendants to have different charges. Each individual’s involvement in the alleged crime may vary, leading to different charges being filed against them.

Yes, a co-defendant can testify against another co-defendant if they choose to do so. However, it is important to note that their testimony may be subject to scrutiny and may be seen as biased due to their involvement in the case.

Yes, it is possible for a co-defendant’s charges to be dropped. This can happen if new evidence emerges that exonerates the individual or if the prosecution determines that there is insufficient evidence to proceed with the charges.

In some cases, a co-defendant can be held responsible for the actions of another co-defendant if they were actively involved in the commission of the crime or if they aided and abetted the other person in committing the offense.

Yes, each co-defendant has the right to choose their own defence attorney. It is not uncommon for co-defendants to have different legal representation, especially if their interests or defence strategies differ.

Yes, a co-defendant can be released on bail if they meet the necessary criteria set by the court. This may include factors such as the seriousness of the charges, flight risk, ties to the community, and the likelihood of appearing for future court proceedings.

Yes, it is possible for a co-defendant to be tried separately from the other co-defendants. This can occur if there are significant differences in the evidence or if one co-defendant’s defence strategy conflicts with the others.

Yes, a co-defendant’s conviction can be used as evidence against another co-defendant. However, the court will carefully consider the relevance and reliability of such evidence before allowing it to be presented during the trial.